Remote greetings from Mount A! We are working on compiling a list of resources as we navigate our closure during this pandemic. If you have questions, or if there’s anything specific you’d like to see from us in the upcoming weeks, please feel free to utilize our Contact Form. We’d love to hear from you!
Next time we’ll share some outdoor educational resources for families. If you have any to recommend, please do send them along using the form above!
Closure
As you likely already know, following the Governor’s Stay Safe at Home Order, the Town of York declared a Civil Emergency Order on Friday, April 3rd closing certain properties and facilities, including Mount Agamenticus. This Emergency Order is effective until 11:59 PM on April 30th, 2020, unless extended or sooner revoked. This was not an easy decision, and we too are navigating it the best we can as we work toward a new “normal.” This closure means that there is no parking, restrooms, or other services and facilities, and that the summit access road is closed. ALL public programs and events have been cancelled through at least May.
Please note that under recommended social distancing guidelines, staff is alternating shifts on site or remote working to accomplish the tasks we can at this time. Our Contact Form is the best way to get a hold of us with questions or concerns. IF YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY, CALL 911.
Volunteering
Mount A Earth Day Clean Up 2019
Spring is typically the time of year when we are hard at work preparing the trails and summit park for the busy season ahead. So much of this work, dependent on amazing groups of volunteers, has been put on hold. All upcoming Community Volunteer Work Days have been cancelled at least through the month of May, including our annual Earth Day Clean Up event. We are so very thankful for every person who wants to put the time in working with us at Mount A, and we do hope that you will join us again when we are able to be together. More information about volunteering can be found here. We know that many people have time and want to help, but we’re unable to meet with or train new volunteers at this time. Thank you for understanding!
Getting Outside
National Recreation and Park Association
Many other parks, beaches, and trails are closed right now. We understand that getting outside is important to our mental and physical health, and is permitted under most stay at home orders, including Maine’s! We recommend doing so as close to home as possible. If you have to travel more than half an hour, you’re probably going too far. If you do live in Maine, check out Maine Trail Finder for closure information, and have plans A, B, and C ready in case a trailhead is closed or full. Be prepared to turn around. As of right now, both Great Works Regional Land Trust and York Land Trust sites are open. Be sure to check their websites and social media for the most up-to-date information. If you are unfamiliar with a particular area, download and print a map before you go! Be sure to follow site-specific rules and regulations, wherever you visit. Some additional tips for recreating outside at this time:
- FOLLOW THE TRAIL LESS TRAVELED: Avoid popular trails or areas that serve as a gathering point (lookouts, observation decks, etc.). If you arrive at a trailhead and see that it is crowded, find another location or come back on a different day. We are fortunate to have so many trails and conserved land in this region.
- VISIT DURING QUIET TIMES: Some areas are not large enough to safely accommodate visitors at peak times. Go during off hours such as early weekday mornings or take a walk around your neighborhood instead.
- GO ALONE OR WITH HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS ONLY: Right now is not the time to meet up with friends or anyone you do not live with.
- DON’T TAKE RISKS: Be extra vigilant and avoid injury to lessen the pressure on medical services or the need for Search and Rescue; right now their services are needed elsewhere. Stay on marked trails and be cautious.
- STAY 6’ OR MORE APART FROM OTHERS: Observe social distancing requirements in the parking areas, at the trailhead, on the trails, in front of the kiosk and everywhere. Give others space as you approach.
- PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE: Avoid touching your face and be aware of surfaces that are likely to be touched by many people such as railings, trail boxes, outreach signs, etc.
- PACK OUT ALL TRASH: That means taking it home with you. This is always our advice, but it will be especially important during this time when resources are tight.
Be Aware of Ticks
Ticks are out. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still enjoy the outdoors and everything the warmer months have to offer, as long as you stay aware and alert.
Precautions to avoid tick bites:
- Choose light-colored clothing that makes ticks easier to spot. Wear long sleeves and pants; tuck pant legs into socks and your shirt into your pants when walking in woods, brush, or tall grass. Deer ticks attach to clothing and move upward.
- Use an EPA-approved insect repellent.
- Walk in center of trails. Use caution in wooded and bushy areas with leaf litter.
- Do a tick check ANYTIME you have been outside! Inspect your skin, clothing, and pets for ticks and remove them promptly. Don’t miss scalp, ears, neck, armpits, behind knees and pelvic region. Have someone else check your back!
- Showering removes unattached ticks that you may not have found. Tumble dry garments on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any ticks remaining on clothes.
- If you spot an embedded tick, use a tick spoon or tweezers to grasp its mouth and pull out with steady pressure. Don’t use petroleum jelly, hot matches, or nail polish remover as this can increase the risk of infection. Wash any possible tick bites with soap and water and apply antiseptic.
Mud Season
It’s that time of year again! If you’re choosing to recreate on other local trails during this time, please note that many locations do have regular seasonal closures or limited access due to mud season.
When trails are muddy, wait until trail surface has firmed up. You can do more by doing less! Activities like biking and running have a higher impact during mud season. Bike tires sink into the mud, leaving deep ruts and causing water to pool up. Running impacts the trail more than walking because of the force of your body’s weight coming down on the trail.
Walk single file and in the middle of the trail. Bring footwear to match trail conditions. Stick to rocks whenever possible and go through, not around, muddy sections to help preserve the natural environment of the trail. Going around muddy areas widens the trail, causes erosion, and negatively impacts tree roots and vegetation.
Last modified: May 15, 2020
